converted PAL-NTSC but came out funny

[lerxst]

I used the TMPGEnc / DGPulldown method to convert a PAL video to NTSC and in the resulting NTSC video, whenever there is a fast motion, it looks like a "strobe motion". For example, if an arm moves fast from one side to another, it is not a smooth movement but rather a series of "mini-snapshots".

I have done these conversions before and did not have these results but this is the second conversion in a row where I had this happen. Could it have anything to do with the kbps setting when doing the final re-encoding to NTSC? Do these kbps necessarily have to match those of the original video? What if I use a higher kbps than the original video?

Thanks in advance for any info.

[Soopafresh]

When you re-encode, make certain you do the following

Keep FPS at 25.0

Resize to 720x480

Encode Progressive (VERY important)

-------------------------

Use DVDPatcher v 1.06 http://kickme.to/DVDPatcher and patch the entire encoded file with the file's settings. (720x480, 8Mbs, 25 FPS, 16x9)

Run DGPulldown 25 to 29.97

I found MediaPlayerClassic has a difficult time with DGPulldown files. VLC works perfectly, however.

That should do it.

[reboot]

@Soopafresh
Just out of curiosity, why DVDPatcher?
I've been using dgpulldown for a couple of months, and have no problems.

[lerxst]

Thanks soopafresh.

I am not sure where the DVDPatcher comes into the process. This is what I am currently doing:

1) Demux with TMPGEnc
2) convert 25 to 29.97 fps with dgPulldown
3) Remux with TMPGEnc
4) Encode at 720x480, 29.97, NTSC with TMPGEnc

where should I insert the DVDPatcher step?

question: where is this "progressive" setting in TMPGEnc?

Also, I just noticed a setting on TMPGEnc: "Motion Search Precision" - will this make a difference when setting it to low or high in regards to the strobe effect I'm getting?

Thanks again.

[Abond]

This is what I am currently doing:

1) Demux with TMPGEnc
2) convert 25 to 29.97 fps with dgPulldown
3) Remux with TMPGEnc
4) Encode at 720x480, 29.97, NTSC with TMPGEnc

This process is wrong!
1.Demux with TMPGEnc
2.Encode at 720x480, 25, NTSC with TMPGEnc
3. convert 25 to 29.97 fps with dgPulldown
4.Remux with TMPGEnc

question: where is this "progressive" setting in TMPGEnc?

This setting is called Non interlace in TMPG

Also, I just noticed a setting on TMPGEnc: "Motion Search Precision" - will this make a difference when setting it to low or high in regards to the strobe effect I'm getting?

No.

[lerxst]

Thank you Abond, I will give it a try as you suggest.

Just a question, after step 1 (demux) I get separate audio and video files, should I encode in step 2 using these same audio and video files or should I just encode the video file alone? I am asking this because I have never tried bringing in an audio+video file into dgPulldown, only video files. Will TMPGEnc let me encode without an audio file or does dgPulldown work with audio+video files?

Thanks again.

[Abond]

You do not need to touch the audio at all. You are reencoding and converting only video. This is the advantage of the method - you are using the original audio for the final product.
TMPGEnc can encode video only just fine.

[Soopafresh]

I like using DVD Patcher before DGPulldown just as a way to prep the file. It also ensures you're adhering to the required settings for DVD compliance. Perhaps it is overkill, but I found it makes DGPulldown run faster and more accurately. Placebo? Perhaps. ..

[lerxst]

Ok Abond, So I tried it as you suggested and ended up with the following problem:

The file after demuxing in step 1 is 48 minutes long, which is the actual length of the video I am converting. When I encode in step 2, it only encodes up to minute 36 and stops there. I tried this twice and had the same problem on the 2 occasions. The strange thing is that when I did this my way I did get the full 48 minutes but with the unwanted strobe effect.

Should try running the file with DVD Patcher before encoding?

Thanks.

[Abond]

Well, what type of file is it? Avi, mpg,...
It seems that it is mpg as your fist step is to demux with TMPG - it can demux only mpg files. Then I think that the time stamps of the demuxed file are not correct. As it is working with dgpulldown then it must be mpeg2 file. You can try to load the demuxed m2v in restream, check the radio button "reset timestamps" click "Write!" and give to TMPG the newly created file to encode. After loading it in TMPG you can check if the time is correct at Settings->Advanced->Source range (double click)->Move to end frame. Then at left top corner read the duration of the clip.